Matt Critchley rescues Derbyshire CCC

Sports Reporter

An impressive batting display by Derbyshire’s teenage leg-spinner Matt Critchley rescued the home side following a dramatic batting collapse on the first day of the Division Two match against Northamptonshire.

The 18-year-old made an unbeaten half century on only his second first-class appearance after Derbyshire had slumped from 65 without loss to 103 for 6 shortly after lunch.

Azharullah took three wickets and Steven Crook struck twice in an over to justify Northants decision to put Derbyshire in but Critchley batted with composure to reach fifty off 67 balls and with Tom Taylor added 59 for the eighth wicket to take the home side to 210 for 7 at tea.